KATHUA: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, Science & Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, recalling the nation’s constitutional values, sacrifices of freedom fighters and the collective resolve to build a strong and inclusive India.
The Minister hoisted the Tricolour and took salute at March past contingents drawn from Police, Paramilitary forces, College and School students, at Sports Stadium Kathua.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that Republic Day is not merely a national holiday but a reminder of the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into force after nearly three years of dedicated effort under the leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He noted that January 26 also holds historic significance as the day when the pledge of ‘Purna Swaraj’ was taken in 1930.
Highlighting the spirit of national unity, Satish Sharma said that the Tricolour symbolizes courage, peace, and prosperity and reflects the shared heartbeat of the nation from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, irrespective of diversity.
The Minister paid rich tributes to the brave heroes of Jammu and Kashmir including General Zorawar Singh and Brigadier Rajinder Singh, and expressed gratitude to the Army, Police and security forces for safeguarding peace and stability in the region.
Speaking about the progress of Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Sharma said that the past few years have marked a new era of peace, development, and public welfare. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, the government is committed to ensuring equitable development and improved facilities for every citizen.
The Minister highlighted that farmers are being supported through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), which has encouraged the cultivation of high-value crops such as strawberries, dragon fruit and lavender, significantly enhancing rural incomes. He added that Kathua district has emerged as a leading agricultural district in Jammu and Kashmir, with mushroom cultivation witnessing major growth and local crafts such as Basohli paintings and Pashmina receiving global recognition through GI tags.
Satish Sharma said that millions of families are benefiting from the strengthened Public Distribution System, ensuring food security across the Union Territory. He also informed that free bus travel facilities for women and new pilgrimage bus services to destinations including Mata Vaishno Devi, Shahdara Sharief, Haridwar and Amritsar have been introduced to improve accessibility
Referring to transport reforms, the Minister said that initiatives such as Inland Water Transport and the Water Metro System have been launched to address public transport challenges and enhance mobility.
On housing and urban development, Minsiter Sharma said that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0, permanent houses are being provided to previously excluded families, while cities are being developed into cleaner and modern urban centres.
He further said that significant progress has been made in providing safe drinking water, with work completed in 165 villages and tap water now reaching over 70 per cent rural households. For the first time since Independence, drinking water facilities have reached villages such as Chown, Taddi, Beril, Bagni, Sundhar, Matandi, and Badoli Charpas.
Highlighting industrial growth, the Minister said that major companies are establishing manufacturing units in Kathua, creating employment for thousands of youth. Facilities such as Bamboo and Agarbatti Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and the Kriti Showroom have also been made operational to promote local entrepreneurship.
Emphasizing youth empowerment and sports development.Minister Sharma said that young people are being supported through Project Yuva, while large-scale events, including cricket tournaments and winter games, are being organized to strengthen sports culture.
He said that Kathua is fast emerging as a model district, with notable progress in education, health, social welfare, and rural development. The Minister also underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, including the world-class water sports facility at Ranjeet Sagar Dam developed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
The Minister informed that the Hiranagar Mini Stadium, approved for development into an international-standard cricket facility under PMDP, had faced delays, but the government is taking necessary steps to ensure time-bound completion of such vital projects.
The Minister also highlighted the Government’s resolute war against drugs, stating that substance abuse poses a serious threat to the youth and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that a multi-pronged strategy is being implemented involving strict law enforcement, intelligence-based action against drug networks, rehabilitation of affected individuals and large-scale awareness campaigns.
Satish Sharma emphasized that the administration is working in close coordination with police, civil society, educational institutions, and community leaders to eliminate drug trafficking and prevent addiction. He reaffirmed that protecting the youth from the menace of drugs remains a top priority of the government and called upon citizens to actively support this mission for a healthier, safer, and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Concluding his address, Satish Sharma said that development is not limited to physical infrastructure but is about strengthening unity, mutual brotherhood, and collective responsibility. He urged citizens to uphold constitutional values, educate the younger generation, and work together to ensure that no section of society is left behind.
The Minister appealed the people to reaffirm their commitment to nation-building and unity, stating that the Tricolour is not merely a flag but the pride of the nation.
Vibrant cultural performances by school students on partriotic themes enthralled the jam packed Sports Stadium Kathua.
The Minister also felicitated Martyr families, meritorious students and achievers of different fields and extraordinary public service delivery.
Chairman DDC Col ( Retd) Mahan Singh, MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Mohita Sharma, ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma, DDC Member were present on the occasion.